The Anambra Police Command has urged residents of the state to disregard the sit-at-home directive issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for May 30, in commemoration of “Biafra Day”.
Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in a statement on Thursday, acknowledged the circulation of videos and voice-overs online intended to instill fear among the residents.
“The Anambra state Police command has become cognisant of the activities of criminal elements disseminating, threatening voice-overs and violent videos in an attempt to enforce illegal sit-at-home directives and instill fear among the residents of Anambra.
“The command is fully aware of these secessionist activities and urges the law-abiding citizens of Anambra to disregard such propaganda.
“Rest assured, the Police, along with other security agencies, have mobilised law enforcement resources to ensure the safety and security of every citizen in the state,” the statement partly read.
Ikenga stated that these videos and threats are being disseminated by criminal elements aiming to enforce illegal sit-at-home directives and create panic.
He assured the public that the police command is fully aware of these secessionist activities and advises law-abiding citizens to ignore such propaganda, adding that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have mobilised resources to ensure the safety and security of all residents.
State Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono stressed the command’s commitment to protecting the lives of citizens, and urged residents to report any security breaches.
Ogbono also provided a contact number for reporting security concerns: 07039194332 or through respective area commands.
“In light of these developments, the commissioner of police, CP Nnaghe Itam, assures the people of Anambra state that their safety remains the utmost priority of the police command.
“In case of any security concerns, citizens are encouraged to contact the command’s control room at 07039194332 or the respective area commands,” he said.
News Central reports that the Imo police command issued a similar advisory to residents in their state, citing a coordinated effort to counteract the secessionist threats and ensure public safety across the region.
Despite the police warning, shops, markets, and both public and private offices remained closed as residents observed the order on Thursday in Owerri as residents adhered to the sit-at-home directive issued by IPOB.
IPOB had instructed Southeast residents to stay at home to commemorate Biafra Day on May 30, honouring those who lost their lives during the Biafra civil war.
Additionally, IPOB warned the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) against conducting exams in the Southeast on the same day.